Los Aguilares are conjunto giants. Founded by brothers Emilio and Genaro Aguilar, the legacy continues after 53 years.

Before that, they were the original Conjunto Guadalupano, a trio formed at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School on El Paso Street with older brother Frank. A priest discovered and named the band known for its harmony singing.

What an angelic sight: Frank playing a $50 Martin Macias bajo sexto (a rare youth-size model), Emilio on accordion, and 11-year-old Genaro having to stand on a wooden crate to play his tololoche (stand-up bass).

But Los Aguilares' greatest legacy may not be musical — even as lasting, important and beloved as that contribution's proven to be with hits “El Parrandero,” “Naci de Este Lado” and “Anhelo.”

There's a higher purpose now: raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease, especially in the Mexican American community (Emilio Aguilar succumbed to the disease in December 2009 at age 70).

Doors open at 7 p.m.; music runs from 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Tickets cost $25 at the door and $18 in advance; $50 for VIP tables. Tickets are available at Janie's Record Shop, Del Bravo Records and Gilbert's Mexican Restaurant. Call 210-393-1800.

How important are Los Aguilares? The answer goes to the core of the duo's down-home appeal. “KEDA wasn't KEDA unless we played Los Aguilares at least once a day,” said Ricky “Güero Polkas” Davila, 67, who for 44 years was the voice of the station until it was sold in 2011.

“San Antonio is a cultural town, and this event is traditional,” said Miguel Aguilar, who's also staging the event. “This is San Antonio's party. This is our first big show involving the foundation.”

Aguilar stressed the importance of staying on message. His father was only 55 when he was diagnosed.

“We are here to help,” he said. “We know what families are going through, and anything we can do financially or spiritually on our end, absolutely (we want to offer support).

“You feel, like, 'Am I the only one going through this?' We found out that we're not. We're trying to raise awareness about how it starts. You need to be (vigilant). A lot of times, we thought Dad was playing around with us, not knowing where he performed the week before or the night before.”

Of course, Saturday will be about fun, too. Here's hoping that Chente Barrera, who is releasing a '80s-flavored CD in March, brings a little of the New Year's fireworks action to the dance.

“I kicked back with the family and popped some fireworks. It was a whole bunch of fun,” said Barrera, who lives south of town toward Pleasanton. “Out there where I live, it was like World War III. It was killer.”